Urban public space initiatives and health in Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review

PLOS Glob Public Health. 2024 Oct 15;4(10):e0003709. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003709. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Public space initiatives (PSIs) in African cities can significantly promote health and social well-being, yet their implementation and impact are unknown across the continent. There is a substantial gap in literature on PSIs in African countries, with most studies concentrated in wealthier cities and lacking comprehensive assessments of long-term health impacts. The objective of this study was to synthesise evidence on the typology, location, features, and outcomes of these initiatives as well as the guiding principles that underlie their design and implementation. Employing a mixed-methods model, the study systematically reviews peer-reviewed and grey literature articles, focusing on the types, settings, and outcomes of PSIs. Data is analyzed using the CASP appraisal tool and thematic analysis. We analysed 47 studies, 15 of which were mixed methods, 22 qualitative and 10 quantitative. Sports accounted for 50% of initiatives. 30 of the 47 papers originated from South Africa. Communities viewed initiatives' wellbeing impacts through social, economic, and ecological lenses, with health being but one dimension. The sustainability of initiatives was often limited by funding, historical marginalization, and competing land uses. Findings underscore the need for more comprehensive, long-term evaluations and cross-sector collaborations to sustain and enhance health-promoting public spaces in African cities.

Grants and funding

This review is part of the ALPhA (Informal Appropriation of public space for Leisure Physical Activity) project funded by the British Academy Urban Infrastructures of Wellbeing Programme (Grant reference UWB190032) awarded to TO. MT, LF, EM, FA, TL, TO are in part funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (NIHR 133205) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK government. TL is also supported by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the ARUA-UKRI GCRF Partnership Programme for Capacity Building (Ref: ES/T003804/1) which established the African Research Network for Urbanisation and Habitable Cities.